Robotics at the UTC

The facilities and teaching out at the UTC Olympic Legacy Park are brilliant and giving Sheffield students a fantastic opportunity to work and learn with robotics. Fielding many active robotics teams, the UTC has had most success competing in VEX Robotics. Apart from putting their skills to the test, these competitions help students develop team-working, communication and organisational skills, as well as expanding their knowledge in multiple areas.

Become a sponsor

The Year 11 and 13s are competing at the VEX National Competition this week (1–2 March), but there are plenty of other sponsorship opportunities that could make a real difference to these talented young people. Indeed, the World Championships take place in Kentucky in April and the teams have a really strong chance of qualifying. There are a number of regional events too.

What the UTC really want is companies who are willing to sponsor their teams at upcoming events to give the robotics programme the financial boost it needs. The sponsorship money would primarily cover students’ travel and accommodation costs, with any surplus used to upgrade the UTC’s kit to the latest versions, which will give the teams the best chance of success.

What do you get in return?

Of course, the main reason to sponsor young people is to help them learn and hopefully go on to enter our industry. But the UTC will also make sure that your company is mentioned in press releases, on social media and be part of ‘pop-up marketing materials’ where possible.

The teams would also aim to wear your company’s branding, which may be a logo made into a patch for the teams’ black polo shirts. Or it could be that they wear a set of new shirts with your company logo (and any others that support us) sewn on, which will take up a larger space.

Ultimately, as with any sponsorship, it’s about working together to develop a partnership that works for everyone. We think it’s a great opportunity for a Sheffield company to get behind some of the city’s best young talent.

How to sponsor the teams

If you’d like to find out more or get the ball rolling with sponsorship, you need to email the UTC’s Martyn Eggleton – meggleton@utcsheffield.org.uk – who will be able to talk to you in more detail.

Sponsorships galore!

Finally, it’s worth noting that this opportunity comes hot on the heels of the wonderful Sheffield to Shanghai kids, whose sponsors helped them compete at the World Educational Robot contest. They are also on the lookout for further sponsorship, and there are many other opportunities available at the moment. Just get in touch if you want to know more.

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Iain is Communications Manager for Sheffield Digital and an experienced freelance writer and content producer. He creates and produces all sorts of content for Sheffield Digital, including the Sheffield Digital podcast. Iain has worked in Sheffield's digital sector for almost 15 years.

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